“However, there are some points that make UBI less preferable than its less flashy alternative: universal basic services (UBS), which, as its name suggests, entails that all necessary basic services (defined differently by every proponent, but could include healthcare, housing and utilities, transportation, education, and a meal plan) be publicly funded and made free at the point of service.”
Social welfare payments should not be universal. The cost of living index for Anchorage, Alaska is 137.1 vs the index of 74.5 for Selma, Alabama. Obviously, the benefits of receiving a universal UBI will vary by cost areas.
In my opinion, it is extremely naive to think that UBS as defined is financially practical. My wife and I have Medicare Parts A and B. The premium reduces our social security payment $135.50 each for a total of $3,252 annually. We have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal for Part D and supplemental health insurance that costs $6,974 annually. We spend an additional $800 annually for prescription copays. Our dental insurance costs $937 annually and only pays about half the cost of a root canal, cap or crown. We don’t have vision insurance and our eye exams and glasses cost about $200 annually. That comes to a total of $12,163 annually and does not include over the counter medicines for allergies, cold and flu, headaches, pain, etc. Medicare only covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care. The average cost of nursing care varies significantly by state with Alaska being the exorbitant amount of $23,451 per month. Ignoring Alaska, the average cost of a semi-private room is $12,162 per month ($145,944 annually).
Funding for the federal government comes predominantly from taxes and deficits. There is already concern about the rising cost of Medicare since seniors are living longer and healthcare costs are increasing. Medicare funding is a ponzi scheme which would be illegal if it weren’t operated by the government. As the birth rate declines due to depletion of natural resources the tax burden on those remaining increases. At some point rebellion occurs so the alternative is deficit spending. If the government can’t afford to fund healthcare for seniors, how can you imagine it can afford to fund healthcare for all, housing and utilities, transportation, education, and a meal plan?
